THE predicted bad weather for the weekend has prompted an early warning from emergency medics.

West Midlands Ambulance Service is urging people to heed weather warnings and follow safety advice.

Heavy rain and strong winds once again forecast to hit parts of the West Midlands region and the service is planning to have extra vehicles on duty to cope with demand.

WMAS assistant chief ambulance officer, Craig Cooke, said: “In general, over the weekend we would ask all members of the public to follow the advice of the Environment Agency and other emergency services and stay away from flood control channels, rivers, streams and other waterways at this time. We would also advise motorists to exercise extreme caution and not attempt driving through flooded roads.

“Not heeding the many safety warnings puts lives at risk, including ambulance staff and other emergency service personnel called to provide a service in these most challenging of conditions.”

The ambulance service is likely to face a busy time this weekend and the service is reminding people they should only call 999 for life threatening emergencies.

For less urgent cases of illness, injury or pre-existing conditions, the public are advised to consider alternative medical assistance such as their GP, NHS 111, visit a walk-in centre or consult a pharmacist.